Be an Earthling: Why We Shouldn’t Gatekeep Earth

Let me tell you a secret: Earth is amazing. Yeah, I know—groundbreaking revelation, right? But hear me out. From the Himalayas to the mangroves, from deserts that look like they were painted by a bored god to beaches that make you question why you even live in the city – this planet is mind-blowingly cool. So why, oh why, would anyone want to gatekeep it?

First of all, if you think you’ve “discovered” that secret beach, waterfall, or mountain — I hate to break it to you, but the locals were probably chilling there for centuries. You might’ve just found it on Instagram, and I respect that hustle, but let’s not act like Indiana Jones. What’s wrong with sharing these places, right? More people should experience them, but responsibly, of course. That’s why, as a self-proclaimed “Vagabond,” I’m here to make a case for why we should throw open the gates (figuratively) and invite everyone to join the outdoor party. Trust me, it’s worth it.

1) Nature isn’t a VIP Club

Picture this: a velvet rope at the entrance to a forest. Two bouncers (probably overly muscular squirrels) check your ‘nature credentials’ to see if you’re “worthy” of entering. Ridiculous, right? But that’s what it feels like when we act like we own nature. Earth was here way before us and will be here long after us. You don’t have to be Bear Grylls to appreciate it.

If someone is a first-timer in the outdoors, they deserve a shot at the same breathtaking views and spiritual awakenings we’ve all had, minus the bouncers and the weird gatekeeping. Remember, at some point, we were all beginners—people trying to figure out how to fit a sleeping bag into its casing and then into a backpack. (Pro tip: It never fits. Just tie it to the outside and hope for the best.)

2) The More, The Merrier (But Only If We Play Nice)

When we started Vagabond Experiences, our goal was simple: get as many people outside as possible. I’ve taken groups across all corners of India, and one thing’s become clear: people care more about things they connect with. So, the more people experience a night under the stars at Garbett Plateau, stand on the ridge of Sindola, or stare at the Himalayas from Triund, the more people will be moved to protect it. That’s the dream.

But here’s the thing: with great exposure comes great responsibility. And by “responsibility,” I mean stop littering, stop carving your initials into trees, and please—PLEASE—don’t be that person blasting EDM from your phone in the middle of a serene trek. Share the Earth, but respect it like the communal living room it is. And yes, that means cleaning up after yourself.

3) We Learn Together

There’s something about taking a group of people out into nature—many for the first time—and seeing them light up when they reach the top of a peak or hear the deafening quiet of a starlit night. It’s not just about the beauty; it’s the stories we share and the things we learn from each other.

Some folks think that “newbies” ruin these experiences. But to that, I say, “Pfft.” When we gatekeep these natural wonders, we lose the chance to introduce people to something bigger than themselves. And frankly, that’s one of the best parts of this whole Vagabond journey—connecting people with places and each other. Besides, we were all that clueless newbie once, asking things like, “What’s a leech, and why is it stuck to me?”

4) Gatekeeping Isn’t Cool. Sharing Is.

I get it. You’ve found your sacred spot. It’s untouched, it’s peaceful, and you’re worried that if you tell anyone, it’ll turn into the next tourist trap. But listen: the answer isn’t to hoard these experiences for yourself—it’s to spread the word and the rules of responsible exploration.

At Vagabond, I tell everyone: Leave no trace. Respect the locals. Pack your trash. And yeah, sometimes you have to remind folks to NOT try to feed a wild monkey their chips. But the point is, when more people engage with nature consciously, the better chance we have at preserving it.

5) We’re All On This Rock Together

I’ll end with this: Earth isn’t just for the “outdoorsy” elite. It’s for everyone—city folks, beach lovers, mountain nerds, desert drifters, and yes, even that person who insists on bringing a Bluetooth speaker to a hike (okay, maybe not them). Nature is humanity’s common ground, so let’s embrace it together.

At Vagabond, we’ve always believed in one thing: Earth is meant to be shared.

Now go forth and wander responsibly!

Elton Mendonce